Anti Freeze choice.

[Paul99]

When we got our 230sl 10 years ago, the car was owned by an elderly lady who didn't use the car much. Also the anti freeze hadn't been changed for years and as a result I needed to get the head sorted as it had suffered corrosion as a result of not having the anti freeze changed.

As i am now paranoid - I now change it every 2 years max using the older green anti freeze.   

My question is : Prestone anti freeze claims a 10 year - any car protection.   So in theory this would be a great alternative to the 2 year change.

Anyone had experience of this?  Is 10 years protection realistic?  Does it suit our old cars?

Thoughts please.

[Pawel66]

I am neither an expert nor a mechanic. My view is:  I use only the Mercedes blue antifreeze. I think price discussion here is semi-relevant as replacement is once in every few years and it is not a fortune.

The reason for this is what was mentioned many times here on this forum: it offers the best protection for engine aluminum parts from corrosion.

There are many posts on this topic.

As for the frequency - someone more knowledgeable may recommend.

[MarkCan]

I needed to get the head sorted as it had suffered corrosion as a result of not having the anti freeze changed.

As i am now paranoid - I now change it every 2 years max using the older green anti freeze.   

My question is : Prestone anti freeze claims a 10 year - any car protection.   So in theory this would be a great alternative to the 2 year change.

Anyone had experience of this?  Is 10 years protection realistic?  Does it suit our old cars?

Thoughts please.

I’ll definitely agree with Pawel. Just stick with the MB stuff whenever you can.
I got the engine taken apart right now and one of the things I noticed was the residue deposit around the coolant channels. Luckily there is no signs of overheating but who knows how the story would end if the problem was not addressed right now.
Proper coolant should last you 4 to 5 years and it’s a perfect afternoon DIY project.

[Jonny B]

I do mine every three years.

[UJJ]

I also use only the MB antifreeze with distilled water 50/50 and I change it every 4 years.

[Benz Dr.]

MB is superior in one area. Using test strips designed to determine the service life of fresh antifreeze, I saw that the only difference between MB product and the typical green stuff was that MB coolant had a stronger or higher amount of alkaline reserve. This is the stuff that keeps your coolant from going acidic and eating up the aluminum in your cylinder head. 
Maybe not a very scientific test, but test strips are often all you have to determine coolant life.   

[Charles 230SL]

all, I'll be changing my antifreeze shortly; is this the 'Mercedes Blue' coolant' you guys use?
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81BL295agrL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

thanks! charles

[mrfatboy]

That’s the one👍

[FGN59]

Its reference is MB 325.0

[afibbe]

I am working on the engine compartment of my 230 SL I purchased 6 month ago. All of the aluminum components that touched antifreeze were very pitted to the point that the rim that helps to hold the pipe was almost gone. I plan to use the MB blue after I get all the replacement parts installed.